Coronavirus: Which areas could be next into strictest tier 3 lockdown?

As cases continue to surge around England and Wales imposes ‘circuit-breaker’ restrictions, which other areas could lock down?

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham speaking after Manchester became the latest city region to come under tier 3 restrictions (Getty)

More places in England are expected to move into the highest category of coronavirus restrictions over the coming days and weeks.

South Yorkshire is the latest region placed into tier 3, also known as the "very high" alert level.

For the week to 16 October, South Yorkshire had 371.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, up from 334.1 cases the previous week.

Here is a look at areas that could be next to make the move up to tier 3 and a flavour of what local politicians have been saying.

West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is currently in tier 2 where household mixing is banned indoors and the rule of six applies outdoors.

There were 332.5 cases per 100,000 people in West Yorkshire for the week to 16 October, up from 317.3 the previous week.

In what could be a sign of how some MPs in the area may react to new restrictions, Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, said the government was treating the North "with contempt", and has launched an online petition with the headline "No funding, no tier 3".

In a tweet this week, she expressed solidarity with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and said: "Ministers cannot continue to run rough shod over the north."

Richard Burgon, Labour MP for East Leeds, expressed similar sentiments and said Mr Burnham was "right to stand up to the PM and demand proper support to defend lives & livelihoods".

Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is another area currently in tier 2, the category also known as "high" risk.

There were 374.7 cases per 100,000 in Nottinghamshire for the week to 16 October, down from 436.4 the previous week.

Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, was among those commenting on the situation in Greater Manchester this week, tweeting: "Solidarity with the people of Manchester. You deserve better."

Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for for Nottingham South, also made her views clear.

Retweeting a letter Tory MP Chris Clarkson and others had sent to Mr Burnham expressing their "deep disappointment" in his "failure" to reach an agreement with the government, Ms Greenwood said: "Instead of standing up for the people they're meant to be in parliament to represent, these Tories are sucking up to a prime minister who couldn't care less about the Midlands and the north."

Tees Valley

Residents in Tees Valley are currently under tier 2 restrictions.

There were 314.1 cases per 100,000 people in Tees Valley for the week to 16 October, up from 278.4 the previous week.

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, praised Sheffield mayor Dan Jarvis following the announcement that Mr Jarvis had reached a deal with the government about going into tier 3.

Mr Young said: "This is genuine constructive leadership from Dan in South Yorks – rising above party politics."

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, accused Labour of "naked politics" and said "it is entirely possible to negotiate good deals with the government for areas moving into tier 3".

Northeast England

Areas including Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland are already in tier 2.

There were 276.1 cases per 100,000 people in the northeast for the week to October 16, down from 316.6 the previous week.

Ian Lavery, Labour MP for Wansbeck, expressed solidarity with Mr Burnham and the people of Greater Manchester this week.

Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central, said on Tuesday: "Many small biz in #Newcastle face severe reductions in revenue as a consequence of £covid & are fighting to save jobs.

"I asked the Health Sec for extra financial support. He said there IS further support only if further measures are brought in but our biz's need more support now!!"

Press Association